TEMPE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 23: Elias Diaz (35) celebrates his double as the Colorado Rockies take on the Los Angles Angels during the first Spring Training game of the season at Diablo Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

“All three guys are in the mix, and all three, we feel, are major league quality,” manager Bud Black said. “It’s good to see them all playing well. That’s what your want, even as all three of these guys are coming from a different avenue to try to make this team.”

Nunez, a converted infielder who was Colorado’s sixth-round pick in 2013, debuted last August and is on the team’s 40-man roster (but with minor league options remaining). Diaz spent a dozen years in the Pirates organization, including 250 games in the majors, before signing with Colorado on a minor-league contract. And Butera has been with the Rockies the past couple seasons, albeit with most of his time spent in Triple-A Albuquerque.

Here’s what each catcher had to say about his prospects, with Cactus League stats updated through Wednesday:

Nunez (2 for 12, 3 RBIs, .167/.286/.417, .702 OPS) — The rookie said he’s made throwing to bases a big focus, and has also honed in on his defensive footwork. And offensively, he said he’s made his lower body “more stable” and has lowered his leg kick to a slight hover. Nunez: “When I get the opportunity, I want to take full advantage of it, and that’s been my main focus.”

Diaz (7 for 12, 2 RBIs, .583/.538/.833, 1.372 OPS) — Coming off a career-high 101 appearances for Pittsburgh in 2019, Diaz said his confidence has surged over the past couple seasons, especially after he hit .286 with 10 homers in 82 games in 2018. Diaz has tunnel vision on a roster spot: “I have a lot of goals for this season, but right now, the big goal is to make the team.”

Butera (3 for 8, 5 RBIs, .375/.500/.875, 1.375 OPS) — In his first spring training with Colorado despite this being his third stint with the club, Butera has the confidence of both Black and the pitching staff. He understands the competition at hand but says, “I’m going to focus on the things I have control over, because I can’t worry about the rest.”

This spring, Fuentes, 27, is letting his play speak for him. He’s batting .400 in Cactus League play, despite going 0-for-3 in Wednesday’s game against the Texas Rangers. Read more…

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post

Jeff Hoffman (34) is the starting pitcher for the Colorado Rockies as they take on the Los Angles Angels during the first Spring Training game of the season at Diablo Stadium on Feb. 23, 2020 in Tempe, Arizona.

Senzatela and Hoffman are both out of options, meaning if they’re not put on the 26-man roster out of camp, they’ll have to be designated for assignment and clear waivers before being sent to Triple-A Albuquerque. Read more…

By The Numbers

High school baseball returns to Coors Field once again this spring, with 14 games at the stadium in April and May. Read more…

Parting Shot

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post

Ryan McMahon (24) make the force out at second base as the Colorado Rockies take on the Los Angles Angels during the first Spring Training game of the season at Diablo Stadium on Feb. 23, 2020 in Tempe, Arizona.

Kyle Newman is a sportswriter for The Denver Post, a position he’s held since 2016. He is a beat reporter covering the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos in addition to covering other professional, college and high school athletics around the state. He is a member of the BBWAA and PFWA.

Jeff Bailey joined The Denver Post in 2013. Prior to his time at The Post he spent a year and a half with MediaNews Group. Before MNG, he spent time working as a clubhouse assistant for the Colorado Rockies. He graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in journalism.